Device for stretching table-cloths, &amp;c.



No. 632,159. Patented Au 29,, I899.

E. m. STEWARD.

DEVICE FOR STRETCHING TABLE CLOTHS, 81.0.

(Application filed Feb. 20, 1899.)

(No Model.)

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ELIZA M. STE WARD,

ATENT FFICE;

OF ASl-IVILLE, OHIO.

DEVICE FOR STRETCHING TABLE CLOTHS, 800.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent no. 632,159, dated August 29, 189 9.

Application filed February 20, 1899. Serial No. 706,209. (No model.) i

To all whom it ntay concern.-

Be it known that I, ELIZA M. STEWARD, a citizen of the United States, residing at Ashville, in the county of Pickaway and State of Ohio, have invented a newand useful Device for Stretching Table-Cloths, &c. of which the following is a specification.

The invention relates to improvements in devices for stretching table-cloths, lace currains, and analogous articles.

The object of the present invention is to improve the construction of devices for stretching fabrics and to provide a simple and inexpensive one adapted to be readily handled and capable of enabling one person to stretch a table-cloth, lace curtain, sheet, or other large piece of fabric and arrange the same perfectly smooth after such article has been dampened and preparatory to ironing the same.

The invention consists in the construction and novel combination and arrangement of parts hereinafter fully described, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and pointed out in the claim hereto appended.

In the drawings, Figure 1 is a perspective view of a stretching device constructed in accordance with this invention. Fig. 2 is a sectional view taken transversely of the device and illustrating the manner of stretching a table-cloth or analogous article. Fig. 3 is a detail perspective view of one of the sections of the device. Fig. 4 is a similar view of the other section of the device.

Like numerals of reference designate corresponding parts in all the figures of the drawings.

1 and 2 designate bars or sections, preferably construct-ed of wood, adapted to clamp the edges of a table-cloth, lace curtain, sheet, or analogous article and designed to hold the same so that one person may readily stretch a large piece of fabric perfectly smooth preparatory to ironing the same. The lower bar or section 2 is provided at its inner engaging edge with a longitudinal tongue 3, which fits into a corresponding groove 4 of the upper section or bar 1, as clearly illustrated in Fig. 2 of the accompanying drawings, whereby they are adapted to clamp a fabric. The ends of the bars or sections are connected by keepers in the form of bands 5 ends 7 and 8, which engage the loops, are tapered, as shown, to form wedge-shaped portions, and the clamping action of the bars or sections may be varied by sliding them longitudinally on each other, as will be readily understood.

The lower section is provided near its ends with screw-eyes 9, located between the ends of the device. The screw-eyes are adapted to engage hooks 10, designed to be embedded in a door-frame, window-casing, or other suitable support,whereby the device may be hung up in a horizontal position.

In the operation of the device the tablecloth or other fabric to be stretched, after it has been dampened and preparatory to ironing, is doubled or folded once to bring the end edges or hems together, and these end edges or heins are placed on the tongue of the lower section and are clamped in such position by placing the grooved upper section over them and engaging the tapering ends and the loops or bands. The device is then hung on the supporting-hooks, and the operator is enabled to stretch the fabric evenly and smoothly by taking hold of the same and drawing it taut. By this construction one person may conveniently handle large pieces of fabric-such as table-cloths, lace curtains, sheets, and the like-which often require two persons to stretch them smoothly for ironing.

The invention has the following advantages: The device, which is exceedingly simple and inexpensive in construction, is adapted for enabling a person to stretch tablecloths, lace curtains, sheets, and other large pieces of fabric and smooth the same preparatory to ironing them, and the sections or bars, by being provided at their ends with reversely-disposed beveled portions and loops, are adapted to be readily arranged to clamp and release a fabric.

Changes in the form, proportion, size, and the minor details of construction within the scope of the appended claim may be resorted of loops attached permanently to one end of each section, and engaging the contiguous end of the other section, substantially as described.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my own I have hereto affixed my signature in the presence of two witnesses.

ELIZA M. STEWARD.

\Vitnesses:

P. H. HOFFHINES, J. V. SHUEMAKER. 

